Triticeae Genomics and Genetics, 2025, Vol.16, No.4, 156-165 http://cropscipublisher.com/index.php/tgg 162 7.2 Integration with precision agriculture tools There are many precision agriculture tools available today, such as remote sensing, soil moisture sensors, and connected smart irrigation systems. These can help farmers better determine when and how much water to use. This saves water while ensuring that wheat grows well (Finco et al., 2023). If these technologies are combined with genetic breeding, biotechnology, and agronomic measures, wheat will perform better in terms of drought resistance, water conservation, and sustainability (Xing and Wang, 2024). However, we still need to do more research to see whether these technologies can really be implemented in different regions, whether farmers are willing to use them, and whether the effects are good in the long run. 7.3 Climate change and policy implications Future climate may bring more problems, such as reduced rainfall, higher temperatures, and tighter water resources, which will affect the irrigation needs of wheat (Li et al., 2019a). However, studies have also found that even if the climate continues to deteriorate, as long as reasonable irrigation methods are adopted, such as climate-smart irrigation or moderately less irrigation, high yields can still be maintained while saving water (Gao et al., 2024). This also shows that policies are very important. The government should encourage farmers to use more efficient irrigation methods, such as irrigating only when the soil moisture drops to a certain value. It is also necessary to promote more precision agriculture technology to help farmers achieve water conservation goals (Mehmood et al., 2023). At the same time, policies should also consider the possible impacts of future climate change. We cannot only look at the present, but also formulate response plans that can ensure food security and take care of the environment in the long term (Zaveri and Lobell, 2019). 8 Concluding Remarks Choosing the right number of irrigations and the amount of water to use each time is particularly important for improving wheat yield and water use efficiency (WUE). Generally speaking, 240 to 315 mm of water during the key growth period can achieve high wheat yields and good WUE. If you water too much, it will not be beneficial. Not only will it waste water, but it may also wash away nutrients. In places with little rainfall and suitable soil, it is a good idea to irrigate less water appropriately (also called deficit irrigation). This will not only increase WUE, but also prevent yields from dropping too much. The relationship between yield and WUE depends mainly on when to irrigate, how to irrigate, and what the environment is like. If you can coordinate irrigation with fertilization, you can further increase yield and WUE, while reducing fertilizer loss, which is good for the environment and can help farmers save money. In arid or semi-arid areas, it is recommended to irrigate 60 mm of water at each stage during the greening period, jointing period, flowering period, and filling period, for a total of 240 mm, which works well. You can also irrigate less water at each growth stage, such as 25% less than full irrigation. This method can save water, improve WUE, and basically not reduce yield, especially in sandy loam. In addition to controlling the irrigation time and amount of water, the amount of fertilizer should also be matched. For example, applying 250 kg of nitrogen fertilizer per hectare can increase the yield, WUE and economic benefits, while also reducing environmental pollution. Using water-saving equipment such as drip irrigation or sprinkler irrigation, combined with tools such as the crop water stress index (CWSI) to monitor crop status, can also help farmers better decide when and how much to water. In short, in water-scarce areas, if you want to grow wheat well, produce more, and not affect the environment, you have to use scientific methods to irrigate and fertilize. As long as the right method is used, farmers can save water and money, ensure income, cope with climate change, and maintain food security. Acknowledgments We deeply appreciate the great support of all teachers and students in the research team throughout the research period. Conflict of Interest Disclosure The authors affirm that this research was conducted without any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest.
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